Reading the Bible Intelligently with Others
September 28th, 2011
This picture shows the Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams, and the Bishop of El Camino Real in California, Mary Gray-Reeves. They were together at a conference on women’s ministry hosted by the Archbishop. During the conference, the Archbishop made some comments about interpreting the Bible that are very important in light of questions about gender and whether or not women can be bishops (which is allowed in the Episcopal Church but not in the Church of England). He said about the Bible,
It’s not just a matter of being able to read the words. It’s a matter of being alert to the fullest range of meanings that those words possess. And if you're going to be alert to the fullest range of meanings you have to have the fullest range of readers. So a group whose readership is restricted is actually not going to be a fully literate group.
What I find so helpful in these words are the connection he makes between interpretation and the people gathered around the story or given passage in the Bible. “The fullest range of meaning” in the Bible is only possible when the group interpreting the Bible is actually listening to one another and making space for others, especially people who have been ignored or excluded. Biblical literacy requires company and plenty of space for others to join in the conversation and contribute to the art of interpretation because ‘they‘ may know something ‘we‘ do not about the Bible.
As priest, I love that the job of a parish to do just this: provide the space and an inclusive setting in which people can listen to God’s voice and one another’s voices.
The Archbishop’s entire talk is available online (www.archbishopofcanterbury.org/articles.php/2186/archbishop-hosts-conference-on-womens-ministry).
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Not One Poor Minute is a home for reflections on the mystery of God's presence in our lives, from morning to evening, from darkness to light.
The Rev. Richard Lawson was called as Rector of Grace-St. Luke's Church in May of 2010. He went to General Seminary in New York and to Sewanee and has degrees from both.
My God, thou art all I love, Not one poor minute escapes thy breast, But brings favor from above; And in this love, more than in bed, I rest.
- George Herbert
Comments
Jolene A. Westbrook: I think the Archbishop is encouaging diverse participation in bible study and reading. Does that mean there may soon be ordained women priests in the good old U of K? It reminds me of the rich wealth of knowledge and its positive influence received in my EFM class.
Richard: Jolene, There are female priests in the Church of England, but female bishops are not allowed. However, I understand that legislation has passed that will allow the ordination of women as bishops. I agree with you on EfM: it is great! Thanks for your comment, Richard